The BBC's James Robbins in Uganda"The authorities need international help and support" real 28kThe BBC's Jeremy Cooke in Uganda"The stench of death is the only clue to recent events" real 28k

Thursday, 6 April, 2000, 17:31 GMT 18:31 UK

Uganda cult arrest warrants issued

A wreath is placed at a burial site

Authorities in Uganda have issued warrants for the arrest of six leaders of the doomsday religious cult on charges of murder.

The six are blamed for the death of almost 100 followers, but it is not known where they are or even if they are still alive.

Hundreds of members of the cult - the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God - were found dead in a burnt-out church in the south-western village of Kanungu last month.

The cult's handbook appears to offer few clues over the deaths

Suspicions that many had been murdered were strengthened when scores more bodies found elsewhere bore marks of violence.

The six leaders targetted include Joseph Kibwetere, known as the prophet of the cult, Credonia Mwerinde, a former prostitute known as its programmer, and Dominic Kataribabo, a former Roman Catholic priest.

Each has been initially charged with 10 counts of murder, although more charges are expected to follow.

International assistance

"We believe they are alive and in hiding," acting director of the Criminal Investigation Division Erasmus Opia, said.

"We have no evidence to the contrary."

Mr Opia said the authorities had contacted the international police criminal organisation, Interpol, for help tracking down the cult's leaders.

Around 400 members of the cult died in the fire on 17 March, but since then the bodies of hundreds of other people, including those of many women and children, have been found in mass graves on properties linked to members of the cult.

Warnings

In another development, the authorities in Kampala are reported to have sent local police a "very urgent" warning that the sect was said to be kidnapping children and burying those who died in mass graves.